Velvet Brick: Chong Kim’s Journey from Survival to Advocacy

NATIONWIDE - SEPTEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — It begins with a sentence that has carried her through fire: “I didn’t change because I escaped, I escaped because I changed.” For Chong Kim, these words are more than reflection; they mark a turning point. They represent the shift from silence to resilience, from being unseen to becoming a voice for many. That moment defined the foundation of her personal brand, Velvet Brick Enterprise—a symbol of strength rooted in compassion.

Today, Kim is recognized as a speaker, author, film producer, and activist. Through each role, she extends her work into spaces where silence once prevailed. Whether speaking to families, producing films, or teaching safety strategies, her goal is clear: build awareness, inspire resilience, and create safer communities.

Origins of a Mission

Chong Kim’s work is inseparable from her lived experience. Survival was not just escape; it was transformation. Early in her journey, she found that reclaiming her story could also give others the courage to share theirs. This realization guided her into advocacy that spanned community programs, public speaking, and volunteer service.

Over two decades, she has spoken at events, collaborated with justice systems, and volunteered more than 500 hours across criminal, family, and juvenile courts. Her commitment reflects a belief that creating change requires both personal storytelling and active engagement with institutions.

Recognition has followed. She has been honored by the Los Angeles Police Department and named one of the “Top 40 Women Who Inspire the World” by San Diego’s My Sister’s Voice. She has also received support from John Douglas, former FBI agent and consultant for Netflix’s Mindhunter. These acknowledgments represent the growing impact of her work and its reach across diverse communities.

Velvet Brick: A Brand with Purpose

Velvet Brick Enterprise represents Kim’s dual approach: soft enough to connect with survivors and families, yet unyielding in challenging harmful systems. The name is both symbolic and practical, describing her ability to deliver difficult truths with compassion and clarity.

One of her most notable contributions is her Personal Safety Course, designed to help parents and caregivers understand patterns of exploitation. The course encourages families to view safety as proactive rather than reactive, equipping them with tools to recognize risks and strengthen communication.

Kim often emphasizes that healing is not passive. “It challenges the systems that failed us, and it demands active participation in building safety,” she explains. This philosophy extends throughout her work, from courses to community workshops to public talks.

Storytelling Through Film

Advocacy alone was not enough for Kim; she sought to broaden her reach through visual storytelling. Film provided a medium to amplify her message and create greater cultural impact.

Her project E40S (Every 40 Seconds) reflects this mission. The film highlights the urgency of addressing child safety and community protection. By weaving narrative with education, Kim ensures the message resonates beyond statistics, reaching audiences who might otherwise look away.

Her filmmaking approach is grounded in the same principles that define Velvet Brick: honesty, responsibility, and accountability. By choosing to tell stories that are both artistic and truthful, she bridges the gap between advocacy and entertainment.

A Turning Point

The defining strength of Kim’s work lies in her ability to turn personal challenges into public purpose. Instead of retreating, she transformed obstacles into teaching moments, offering both survivors and communities new pathways forward.

Her guiding phrase, “I escaped because I changed,” underscores the mindset shift that shapes her advocacy. It speaks to resilience not as endurance but as transformation. For survivors, it is an empowering reminder. For parents and educators, it is a call to act with foresight and strategy. For communities, it is a principle of accountability and progress.

What Sets Her Apart

In a landscape filled with advocates and educators, Kim’s work stands out for its authenticity and consistency. Her programs and talks are informed not only by research but by lived experience. This perspective allows her to connect with audiences on a deeper level and offer guidance that feels both practical and grounded.

Velvet Brick also reflects her commitment to standards. When faced with difficult decisions, Kim has consistently chosen transparency and accountability. This quality has earned her trust from survivors, parents, and community leaders who value both her courage and her clarity.

Breaking Silence, Building Safety

For Chong Kim, silence has never been an option. Every program, film, and speech is built on the belief that awareness must lead to action. Survivors are encouraged to share their voices. Families are given strategies to strengthen safety. Communities are challenged to think differently about protection and responsibility.

Through Velvet Brick Enterprise, Kim shows that resilience is more than survival. It is a movement toward lasting change—one that combines compassion with unshakable strength.

Chong Kim’s story is both personal and universal. It is personal because it is rooted in her own transformation. It is universal because it offers families, educators, and advocates a roadmap for building safer futures.

To explore her programs, learn more about her film projects, or connect with her work, visit www.iamchongkim.net. She also shares updates and insights on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X.